"I've definitely become a better bowler.." Umran Malik eyes international comeback

Umran Malik last appeared in Indian colours in July 2023.

Jammu & Kashmir’s young fast bowling sensation Umran Malik had a breakout Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which earned him a call-up to the national side.

In the IPL 2022 edition, Malik clocked 150 kmph effortlessly, which grabbed the attention of Indian selectors. The right-arm speedster played 14 matches for SRH and took 22 wickets at an economy of 9.03.

After his stunning IPL performance, he made his T20I debut in June 2022 against Ireland and his ODI debut against New Zealand in November 2022.

However, his inconsistent performances and injuries hampered his position in the Indian cricket team. Malik, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, is now aiming for an international comeback.

The weather didn’t help: Umran Malik

In the IPL 2024 edition, Umran had a tough time with SRH as he was barely picked in the playing XI. The Jammu and Kashmir speedster played only one match. 

During an interview with Indian Express, Umran said that he was fully prepared for the IPL, but the weather in his state didn’t help him. The 24-year-old further added that he is working on a few things in the practice sessions.

“I was fully prepared that season, but the weather didn’t help. Then I was really looking forward to the IPL as I’d gained a lot in the months preceding the IPL. Unfortunately even that didn’t go the way I wanted,” Umran said.

“But it also gave me the time to work on things I wanted to in the practice sessions. I’ve definitely become a better bowler if you ask me. After the IPL, I injured my hamstring and just as I recovered I’m down with dengue,” Umran added.

I’m bowling a lot with the new ball: Umran Malik

The Jammu and Kashmir speedster also explained how he is working on his bowling with the aim of returning to the Indian cricket team ahead of the upcoming home season.

“These days I’m bowling a lot with the new ball because I believe swing can make a huge difference at my pace. I want to learn a few things, especially how to formulate a plan and execute it,” said Umran.

“If you have that, then you will be better prepared to handle the challenges. When I’m bowling in a match, it is not about myself or what I do. I’ve to fit into the bowling group and their plans and compliment them. So I need to be equipped on that front. Even with the new ball, I’m trying to bowl yorkers because if I’m able to execute it properly, then I will get the confidence to bowl it all the time. You need to find ways to surprise the batsmen,” Malik added.

Umran further said that his plan is to be ready for the upcoming domestic season and become a better bowler. He further added that playing the entire domestic season will help him to open up more opportunities.

“I want to keep it simple. My plan is to be ready for the domestic season. If I play more matches, then I would definitely be a better bowler. Even though I played only five Ranji matches, I realised how much I gained out of it. I’m waiting for the Duleep Trophy. If I play the entire season then I will know where exactly I stand and it will open up opportunities. I’m waiting to hold the red ball in my hand,” Umran concluded.

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